Connecting South Asia to the World, Transforming Business Through Global Trade
ES. Can you tell us about the founding of Worldex and what motivated you to establish the company?
Rajesh Bhagat. We have worked with several Indian and international trade bodies and associations for over 30 years for various exhibitions, B2B activities and recruiting exhibitors and buyers. Also through our publishing arm, we publish several trade magazines and journals and have developed strong connects with various industries. Working closely with industry bodies and the industry stakeholders has enabled us develop various channels for the industry to connect and do business. So organizing various trade promotion activities in various formats is what we do best which forms the genesis of founding Worldex India.
ES. How would you describe Worldex’s core mission and vision? What differentiates the company from other players in the events and exhibition industry?
Rajesh Bhagat. Our main thrust has been connecting South Asia with the rest of the world. We believe that the major emerging markets of South Asia are and would continue to be the focus of the world in the coming decades. To that end, we organize trade shows that brings the spotlight on South Asia wherein we are able to attract buyers from all parts of the world to this dynamic region. Besides that, we organise and represent international trade shows, summits, forums, buyer-seller meets and inbound & outbound trade missions to take Indian and other South Asian companies to find business, trade and investment opportunities across the globe.
Our vision is to create robust platforms for Indian entrepreneurs to transform their business by integrating them with the global market through worldwide promotions and trade shows, serving our industry stakeholders ethically with complete integrity, transparency and adopting best practices.
We leverage our strong ties with our international network to foster business ties for our stakeholders and optimally use our global network to promote and expand trade. With network offices in Thailand and China, we are well positioned to closely work with ASEAN and the two large economies of Asia, India and China.
ES. What is your approach to managing large teams, especially in high-pressure situations when organizing international events?
Rajesh Bhagat. Managing large teams, especially in high-pressure situations like organizing international exhibitions, requires a balance of leadership, communication, and strategic planning.
- Define Goals
- Clear Vision & Objectives
- Delegate Wisely
- Effective Communication
- Cultural Sensitivity & Inclusiveness
- Manage Stress & Expectations
- Team Well-being
- Problem-Solving Mindset
- Effective Time Management
ES. What emerging trends in the global events and exhibitions market do you think will significantly shape the industry in the next 5 years?
Rajesh Bhagat. Post-Covid, new challenges are being faced by the trade industry in the form of conflicts, wars, economic slowdown in several countries and regions across the world, geopolitics, protectionism, tariff barriers, sanctions and other factors. However, businesses still need to connect with each other to do trade in these challenging environment.
The exhibition industry needs to rise to these challenges and reinvent itself to become even more relevant and find new ways to ensure that trade is not impacted adversely.
Technology is another factor that will continue to play an important role in shaping the future of the trade show industry. Businesses are going to evolve around AI, robotics, drones, automation, sustainable practices, AR/VR, health and safety amongst a host of enhanced networking opportunities and the industry would need constant innovation to ensure that it keeps up with the times.
